Lotion application system

ABSTRACT

An application system for applying liquid preparations, such as lotion and the like, to parts of the human body. The applicator system comprises an applicator having a liquid preparation thereon, a pair of handles at each end, and a sealable pouch configured to store the applicator before use. Preferably, the applicator is configured so that the user can apply a liquid preparation, such as suntan lotion or perfume, to his or her own back. In various other embodiments, the applicator strip consists of a non-woven fabric, preferably about two feet long and six inches wide, and is foldable into a sealable pouch that is approximately two inches square. In one embodiment, this pouch has string handles. The applicator may be either disposable or reusable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for applying liquid preparations, such as lotions, oils, creams, ointments, medications, and the like, to various parts of a person's own body. More particularly, this invention relates to a disposable or reusable applicator for applying suntan lotion to one's back that comes in a convenient pocket-sized pouch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Applying liquid preparations to one's own back without the assistance of another person is difficult. However, there are many occasions when it is necessary or desirable to apply liquid preparations to the back. For example, an ointment may treat a backache, a cream may heal a skin disease, and a sun screen may prevent a sunburn. On the other hand, one may wish to apply suntan oil conveniently without soiling one's hands at the beach. Despite the universality of this problem, there remains a need for such a back lotion applicator.

[0003] Turning to the prior art, several patents disclose lotion applicators. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,841 to Horne for “Apparatus for Applying Liquid Preparations to the Body” discloses an integral elongated reticulated fabric folded in half lengthwise to form a strip of precisely half the size but of the same length with one folded edge. The center of the strip is stitched across its width to form a pocket. The length of the unfolded edge is stitched from each end of the strip to the stitching that formed the pocket, leaving the pocket open. Each end of the strip is folded over and secured by stitching along the width of the strip, forming loops at each end of the strip. A disposable pad is configured to fit into the pocket.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,652 to Ulrich for “Lotion Applicator System” discloses a system for applying lotion and the like to the body. A container encloses a continuous strip applied with lotion and the free end of the strip extends through an opening in the container. That continuous strip is separable and each portion is disposable. The user takes a portion and applies lotion to the body, either by hand or by using an optional clip or holder.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,281 to Pelfrey for “Suntan Lotion Applicator” discloses a suntan lotion applicator. The user pours the lotion onto the part of the applicator that holds a specific amount of suntan lotion. While grasping the handle, which extends from that portion of the applicator, the user can apply suntan lotion to hard-to-reach parts of his or her body with this applicator.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,990 to Vought et al. for “Method of Applying Skin Products Using an Elongated Strip” discloses an applicator for applying skin products to the user's body, especially his or her back. The patent discloses an elongated rectangular strip of flexible material with finger holes at each end. This strip consists of two layers laminated back-to-back where the first is a thinner non-absorbent layer of lesser elasticity and the second is a thicker lotion-receiving layer of greater elasticity. When the user applies tension to the strip, the lotion-receiving layer bulges to reach recessed areas of the body. The elasticity of the strip is determined to create that bulging action.

[0007] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,949 to Pine for “Back Applicator Container” discloses an apparatus for applying lotion to the user's back. It includes approximately two by three by one-half inches of sponge-like material impregnated with a lotion. This sponge is in the center of a strip of cloth-like material approximately four feet by two inches. The apparatus comes in a leak-proof container. To apply the lotion, the user (1) grasps each end of the apparatus; (2) flips it over his or her head; and (3) rubs it against his or her back in a side-to-side buffing motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed generally to an application system for applying liquid preparations, such as lotion and the like, to parts of the human body. According to one embodiment, the applicator system comprises an applicator having a liquid preparation thereon, a pair of handles at each end, and a sealable pouch configured to store the applicator before use. Preferably, the applicator is configured so that the user can apply a liquid preparation, such as suntan lotion or perfume, to his or her own back. In various other embodiments, the applicator strip consists of a non-woven fabric, preferably about two feet long and six inches wide, and is foldable into a sealable pouch that is approximately two inches square. In one embodiment, this pouch may have string handles. The applicator may be either disposable or reusable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The subject matter of the invention is particularly pointed out and claimed at the conclusion of the specification. However, the objects, features, and advantages of the invention may be more fully appreciated by reading the specification together with the drawings. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a sealed pouch containing a folded applicator, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates an applicator in one preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0012]FIG. 3 shows how to use the applicator shown in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013]FIG. 1 illustrates sealable pouch 10 containing folded applicator 20, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Applicator 20 has a liquid preparation or lotion thereon. In the remainder of this application, the term “lotion” will be used in a generic sense as referring to any and all types of liquid preparations, such as suntan lotion, perfume, etc.

[0014] Pouch 10 in the embodiment shown is small, perhaps two inches square, so that one can carry it in his or her pocket and use it wherever so desired. The size and shape of the pouch may vary from that illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably, pouch 10 has string handle 12 that may be used for carrying or hanging in a store display. The handle need not be string, so long as it is practical and inexpensive. Advantageously, the pouch is sealed and made of a material, such as foil, so that the pouch: (1) is impervious to liquids and air; (2) keeps the lotion fresh; (3) prevents lotion from leaking through the pouch; (4) contains the odor of the lotion; and (5) is easily stored during periods of nonuse. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, applicator 20 (which will be described more fully in connection with FIG. 2) is tightly folded and arranged inside the pouch so when the pouch is opened, the applicator will unfold.

[0015]FIG. 2 shows the presently preferred embodiment of applicator 20. Applicator 20 has a string handle 24 attached to each end region 22. Applicator 20, as shown, is approximately twenty-four by six inches; this size is preferred for reaching the back of a person, but the length and width may vary. Preferably, the applicator is pre-moistened with a liquid preparation, such as suntan lotion, perfume, etc. Optimally, it should consist of a thin non-woven fabric that absorbs lotion, although the thickness may vary. The applicator may be either disposable or reusable.

[0016]FIG. 3 shows how to use the applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. First, the user opens a sealable pouch to reveal an applicator that has been pre-applied with a liquid preparation, such as suntan lotion. Then, grasping the handles at each end of the applicator, the user holds the applicator across his or her back and moves it across the back in a manner similar to using a towel to dry one's back. The user may apply lotion similarly to any other part of his or her body. In this manner, the back is completely covered with lotion, including hard-to-reach areas. This may be done without assistance and with minimal effort. After the first use, the applicator may be moistened again with lotion for additional uses, or, if disposable, the applicator may be thrown away.

[0017] The application system for liquid preparations, as described in various embodiments above, is easy to manufacture. According to one embodiment, the application system of the present invention is manufactured by (1) fabricating an applicator; (2) applying a liquid preparation to the applicator; (3) attaching handles to each end of the applicator; (4) folding the applicator; (5) inserting the applicator in a pouch; and (5) sealing the pouch.

[0018] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments and examples described are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention which is properly delineated only in the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An application system for a liquid preparation, comprising: an applicator having said liquid preparation thereon; a pair of handles disposed at opposite end regions of said applicator; and a sealable pouch configured to store said applicator prior to use.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said applicator is configured to apply said liquid preparation to a user's back.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said liquid preparation is suntan lotion.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said liquid preparation is perfume.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said applicator comprises a fabric.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said fabric comprises a non-woven material.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of said pair of handles comprises a string attached at both ends to said applicator.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said sealable pouch is approximately 2 inches long and 2 inches wide, said applicator being foldable so as to fit in said sealable pouch.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said applicator is reusable, such that said applicator is configured to receive a quantity of additional liquid preparation after an original quantity of said liquid preparation has been applied.
 10. A method of manufacturing an application system for liquid preparations, said method comprising the steps of: fabricating an applicator; applying a liquid preparation on said applicator; attaching at opposite end regions of said applicator a pair of handles; folding said applicator; inserting said applicator in a pouch; and sealing said pouch.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said applying step comprises applying suntan lotion on said applicator.
 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein said applying step comprises applying perfume on said applicator.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein said fabricating step comprises fabricating said applicator out of fabric.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said fabricating step further comprises fabricating said applicator out of a non-woven material.
 15. The method according to claim 10, wherein said attaching step further comprises attaching a string handle at both ends of said applicator.
 16. A method of applying a liquid preparation, said method comprising the steps of: opening a sealable pouch having stored therein an applicator, said applicator having a liquid preparation thereon; grasping a pair of handles disposed at opposite end regions of said applicator; and holding said applicator in contact with a surface which is desired to have applied thereon said liquid preparation; moving said applicator so as to apply said liquid preparation to said surface.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said surface is a user's back.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein said liquid preparation is suntan lotion.
 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein said liquid preparation is perfume.
 20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of applying a quantity of additional liquid preparation after an original quantity of said liquid preparation has been applied. 